Tunis chooses ALSTOM's CITADIS trams

The new CITADIS trams will reinforce and renew the fleet of
the SMLT, which operates a 32-kilometer ''light metro'' network
with five lines, a suburban railway line and a bus network in
the Tunisian capital.

These 30-meter long vehicles will offer rapid, comfortable
and safe service. The low floors will offer easy access for all
passengers, including those with reduced mobility. The trams
will operate on the current network and on two future
extensions of seven kilometers each.

The infrastructure award concerns the first of these two
extensions. ALSTOM will be responsible for the energy systems
and for a part of the trackwork, and its part of the order will
be about 50 percent. Beginning of service on the extension is
planned for mid 2006.

''Were very happy to count the SMLT among our clients
and Tunis among the 19 cities that have chosen ALSTOMs
CITADIS. The city will be the first on the African continent to
use these trams,'' said Philippe Mellier, President of ALSTOM's
Transport Sector. ''This choice of ALSTOM in a highly
competitive international environment is a testimony to the
proven quality of our systems and products for rail
transport.''

The CITADIS design concept combines standardization of
modular, service-proven components with customization of
interior and exterior design in order to meet the individual
requirements of each city in terms of aesthetics, comfort and
accessibility.

ALSTOM has sold 600 CITADIS trams around the world. CITADIS
trams in commercial service have carried 400 million passengers
over 30 million kilometers.

Technical characteristics of the CITADIS for Tunis

Type: bi-directionnel, full low floor

Dimensions:

- Length: 32 m

- Width: 2,40 m

- Height: 3,45 m

Access:

- Width of single doors: 800 mm

- Width of double doors: 1300 mm

- Access height: 320 mm

- Height of floor: 350 mm

Capacity:

- Seats: 58

- Standing passengers (6 passengers/m
²): 208

- Total number of passengers: 266

Performances:

- Maximum speed: 70 kph

- Power: 4 x 120 kW

Features:

- Air-conditioning throughout the tram

- Openable windows

- Interior/exterior video system

With more than 35 product lines and a presence in more
than 60 countries, ALSTOM's Transport sector offers complete
products and services for new rolling stock, signaling, and
electrical and mechanical infrastructure as well as
maintenance and rehabilitation services to four distinct
types of customers: urban transit authorities and operators;
intercity passenger rail operators and rolling stock owners;
rail freight operators; and intercity railway infrastructure
owners. ALSTOM's Transport sector, with sales of
4.9 billion euros in financial year 2003-2004, is among
the world's leading suppliers to the railway industry.

Press information:

Helen Connolly

Tel. +33 (0)1 41 66 91 43

helen.connolly@transport.alstom.com